The January screening of the Bowen Island Film Society is Quinceañera. The film is written and directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland. The executive producer is Todd Haynes, of Shortbus infamy.
Quinceañera begins with an elaborate celebration. From the money lavished on it, it could be a wedding - except that a single figurine sits atop a tiered cake where a bride and groom would be. The ceremony, from which this warmly appealing film takes its title, marks a Latina's 15th birthday when she ostensibly becomes a woman.
This particular quinceañera is in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Echo Park. Looking on with envy is 14-year-old Magdalena (Emily Rios). With her own big day approaching, she worries that her parents won’t be able to afford the big blowout her cousin is luxuriating in, including a Hummer limo for a chariot.
Just when you think, oh, here's a Cinderella story about a poor relation who miraculously outdoes her rich ones, it veers off in a completely different direction -- actually numerous directions, all of which will entice you to follow. One of the pleasures of Quinceañera, which won the audience and jury prizes at Sundance, is its big reach for such a seemingly little film.
To begin with, Magdalena discovers she's pregnant when her cousin's pink strapless quinceañera gown, being altered for her, has to be let out at each successive fitting. Rios effectively portrays the teen's shock at the news. Although she and her boyfriend are hot and heavy, Magdalena swears her virginity is intact.
Even her adoring mother - the closeness of Mexican American families is encapsulated in their loving relationship - can't quite buy her story. As a preacher at a neighborhood storefront church, Magdalena's father is mortified and refuses to talk to her.
She takes refuge with her great-great uncle Tomas (veteran character actor Chalo González, who got his start in Sam Peckinpah’s "The Wild Bunch''), who also has taken in another of Magdalena's cousins, Carlos. Carlos’ rebellious attitude stems from realizing he's gay and knowing that his traditional family disapprove of his sexual preference. Meanwhile González's depiction of the aged uncle who unquestioningly provides love and shelter without judgment for Magdalena and Carlos enriches this small gem of a movie with a stirring soul.
Magdalena and Carlos, who had been at odds, bond over the baby she's carrying. When none of her clothes fit anymore, he lends her his. Since her boyfriend has abandoned Magdalena, Carlos becomes a surrogate father-to-be. This story line evokes the touching 1961 British drama "A Taste of Honey.''
The Echo Park neighborhood also becomes a character in the movie. Lenses pick up freshly gentrified houses nestled next to their worn neighbors. The area has gained something, but is losing its identity in the process [sound familiar?]
Quinceañera screens on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 7:30 pm at Collins Hall. The running time is 90 minutes. Rated 14A [Advisory: Sexual content and references]. As always, facilities for the hearing impaired will be available. Bring your own pillow to improve seating comfort. Doors and concession open at 7 pm. Reserved tickets are available for film society members only by phoning 604-947-0450 and will be held until 7:15 pm. Ten percent of all door admissions are donated to the Bowen Island Community Hall and Arts Centre fund. For further information, Bowen Island Film Society membership forms are available at the Ruddy Potato, VONIGO and the Office at Artisan Square.
Review by Michael Epp
